Saturday switch boosts shows

There has been a big switch from Sunday to Saturday for rural shows. In all, 46 show societies have chosen to hold their agricultural shows this year on a Saturday to cope with the changed lifestyles in rural Ireland.

Attracting larger attendances is also vital for the societies because of the reduced income available from sponsors.

Brigid Garry, of the Irish Shows Association (ISA), said that show organisers were also finding it difficult to get volunteers to assist with the running of the events mid-week or on Sundays.

She said that shows held on Saturdays for this year so far -- of which there have been 30 -- have been successful and the ISA believes that the organisers have benefited from the change.

"We are seeing larger attendances at rural shows this year, with an upsurge in local community support," Ms Garry said.

Saturday next will be the busiest day of the year on the show circuit with events taking place at seven locations from Crossmolina, Co Mayo, to Tipperary Town and Virginia, Co Cavan, to Grange, Co Sligo, where the North Sligo Agricultural Show will be held, as well as Jamestown, Co Leitrim, and Kiladysert, Co Clare. The Claremorris Show, Co Mayo, takes place on Sunday.

One of the most popular shows in the south, Cappamore, Co Limerick, will take place on Saturday, August 20, after being held midweek for 57 years.

Other agricultural shows to be held on Saturday in August include Ardara, Co Donegal, (August 13) and Roscommon, and Swinford (August 20).